Tip of My Iceberg

They’ve known each other for years. They hit it off immediately; both loved soccer and laughing. Both were committed to family and fun. They hung out at each other’s homes, fully accepted and enjoyed by whichever family they were with.

Teagan and David have had a friendship that is enviable. They trust each other implicitly, a reality that’s not often experienced among young people today. They know how to have fun, and yet their conversations can be honest and intense, talking about subjects that range from faith and religion to politics and world issues.

And don’t forget the video games.

When so many friends come and go, to have a lifetime friendship like these two have is significant. To know you have a safe person in your life who will tell you the truth, even when it’s painful, but you can count on them to be kind, is a gift many of us don’t have.

Friends today are defined by social media, how one can accumulate likes by those who want to “friend” us, how agreeing with what others have written makes us “close”, and how “connecting” with someone is done through texts rather than in-person conversation.

Friendship requires people to intentionally engage one another in conversation, being curious about who the other is, and connecting with an authenticity that is often hard to come by.

How does anyone connect honestly when the concern is more about image management than in being who we really are?

Considering we were made for relationships with others, the power and purpose of friendships can’t be minimized. In the Bible, David and Jonathan learned this. Saul was the king of Israel, the first king, and his son, Jonathan, was expected to succeed his father on the throne. But Saul wasn’t a good king; he cared more for his image with the people than his obedience to the Lord.

David was the teenager who had killed the Philistine giant, Goliath. He was fearless when it came to defending his God. Saul saw his courage and decided to use him in his own army.

“By the time David had finished reporting to Saul, Jonathan was deeply impressed with David–an immediate bond was forged between them; he became totally committed to David. From that point on he would be David’s number-one advocate and friend.” 1 Samuel 18:1

To be impressed with someone’s character and integrity is one thing. To choose to develop a relationship with that person is another. These two were from different sides of the tracks–Jonathan was royalty, and David was a shepherd. But their loyalty to one another stood up to the rigors of their differences–especially when Saul wanted David killed because he feared his influence and power.

I know a lot of people, but I also realize not many of them would stay the course with me if I was in trouble or really hurting. That takes commitment and involvement. But those who would are those I cherish, no matter where they are or how often I get to see them.

Teagan and David have known each other for over a decade, and their relationship is stronger today than ever. Neither would question who they’d find solace with if something awful were to happen.

True friendship isn’t just convenient fun.

It’s a choice and a commitment to truly be present with those you can trust.

Who do you feel safe and honest with?